Billy Joel, Benjamin Britten and Josquin Des Pres were – briefly – guests at the School of Medicine Alliance Spring Lunch, held at the Waverley Club on May 3.

They appeared courtesy of five students from the MD program, who took the opportunity to exchange text books for music folders and perform a short program of songs for members of the Alliance and their guests.

"While this group is a new venture, many of us were heavily engaged in musical activities at high school and undergraduate levels," said David Simmons, MS1, and a professional singer prior to his acceptance to OHSU. "It is good to be able to use that experience to express our appreciation to the Alliance members for their support."

Alliance President Jodi Karr recapped the year's activities, reported on the results of the recent membership survey and previewed a new Alliance project to improve the student study facilities on the fourth floor of the Old Library Building. She also took time to recognize the long term contributions of Pam Anderson as Luncheon Chair, Ellen Schwartz as outgoing Treasurer and retiring Board member Anita Taylor .

"As we begin our 65th year, we can look back on the past 12 months with pride," said President Jodi Karr. "We have successfully completed our fundraising efforts to honor the 25th anniversary of our Blanket & Books for Babies project, and reaffirmed via our member survey that SMA's objectives of friendship, service & support to the OHSU SOM are still on target. None of this would have been possible without the continued support and dedication of SMA members and the board."

Pictured above: Medical students David Simmons, Jessica Carlson, Allison Harris, Natalie Wu and Jaclyn Thiessen perform "El Grillo" or "The Cricket" by sixteenth century composer Josquin Des Prez.

Below: SMA President Jodi Karr presents Pam Anderson (l) and Ellen Schwartz (r) with certificates of appreciation. A prior engagement prevented Anita Taylor from attending.